Cadillac Goes to War

1918 CADILLAC TYPE 57 - U.S. 1257X

Before the Jeep became the standardized and ubiquitous military vehicle, the United States military tried a little of everything. WWI saw an interesting mishmash of cars on the battlefield, but it was the Cadillac Type 57 that was predominantly favored by officers. This example, carrying the military designation U.S. 1257X, is the only known survivor and remains in remarkable un-restored condition. It was brought to France and placed in the service of the American Expeditionary Forces by a YMCA volunteer Rev. Dr. J. H. Denison and driven throughout France to set up leave areas. One of its many passengers was Eleanor Butler Alexander-Roosevelt, President Theodore Roosevelt’s daughter-in-law, who was charged with leading women serving the war effort with the YMCA.  The Cadillac U.S. 1257 is listed on the National Historic Vehicle Register.

Click on Image to Enlarge

Photo Credit and Tip of the Hat to Dave Gaddis
Source: National Historic Vehicle Register Website